CCE Style Guides & Editorial Standards — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the Chicago Manual of Style, when should the serial (Oxford) comma be used?
- Before the conjunction in a series of three or more items (Correct answer)
- Only when the items in the series could be confusing
- Never, as it is considered redundant
- Only in academic writing
Correct answer: Before the conjunction in a series of three or more items
The Chicago Manual of Style recommends consistent use of the serial comma before the conjunction in a list of three or more items (e.g., 'red, white, and blue') to prevent ambiguity.
Question 2: What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
- Copyediting addresses grammar, style, clarity, and consistency in a manuscript; proofreading checks for errors in a final proof (Correct answer)
- They are the same process with different names
- Copyediting only fixes spelling errors; proofreading addresses style
- Proofreading happens before copyediting in the publishing process
Correct answer: Copyediting addresses grammar, style, clarity, and consistency in a manuscript; proofreading checks for errors in a final proof
Copyediting is a more substantive process that addresses grammar, punctuation, style consistency, factual accuracy, and clarity. Proofreading is the final quality check on formatted proofs, catching remaining typos and layout issues.
Question 3: In AP (Associated Press) style, how are numbers one through nine typically written?
- Spelled out as words (Correct answer)
- Written as numerals
- Written as Roman numerals
- Either way, depending on context
Correct answer: Spelled out as words
AP style spells out numbers one through nine and uses numerals for 10 and above. This differs from Chicago style, which spells out numbers one through ninety-nine in most contexts.
Question 4: What does 'stet' mean when marked on a manuscript?
- Let the original text stand; disregard the proposed change (Correct answer)
- Delete the marked text
- Move the text to a new location
- Change the text to uppercase
Correct answer: Let the original text stand; disregard the proposed change
Stet is a Latin term meaning 'let it stand.' It is used to indicate that a previously marked change should be ignored and the original text should remain as written.
Question 5: What is a style sheet in the context of copyediting?
- A document that records editorial decisions about spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, and other style choices for consistency (Correct answer)
- A template for page layout and typography
- A list of approved fonts and colors
- A summary of the manuscript's plot
Correct answer: A document that records editorial decisions about spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, and other style choices for consistency
A style sheet is created by the copyeditor to track decisions about spelling variants, hyphenation, capitalization, abbreviations, and other choices to ensure consistency throughout the manuscript.
Question 6: When should a copyeditor query the author rather than making a change directly?
- When the intended meaning is unclear, when factual accuracy is in question, or when a change could alter the author's voice (Correct answer)
- Never; copyeditors should make all changes without consulting the author
- Only for changes to the title
- Only when removing more than one paragraph
Correct answer: When the intended meaning is unclear, when factual accuracy is in question, or when a change could alter the author's voice
Copyeditors should query authors when changes go beyond clear-cut corrections—such as when meaning is ambiguous, facts need verification, or proposed changes might alter the author's intended voice or meaning.
CCE Style Guides & Editorial Standards
According to the Chicago Manual of Style, when should the serial (Oxford) comma be used?